Preschool pre-registration for the 2019-20 school year opens today at the Fort Dodge Community School District.

To be eligible to attend preschool in the fall of 2019, children must be 4 years old by Sept. 15, 2019.

Preschool hours are 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with the doors opening at 7:30 a.m.

Research shows children can gain a variety of skills by attending preschool, and it helps prepare them for kindergarten. Students learn to follow directions and work cooperatively with each other. They are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes, colors and more.

Preschool students learn how to socialize, share and get along with other children. In addition, they gain a sense of self, self-control and build their confidence in themselves and what they can do.

To complete the online preregistration for preschool at Riverside Early Learning Center, visit the FDCSD Central Administration Building, 104 S. 17th St.

Parents/guardians need to provide proof of guardianship (birth certificate, DHS documents, court documents, tax documents), immunization records and address verification when they come to pre-register.

A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of pre-registration to hold a student’s spot.

Families will need to complete the full registration process during the summer of 2019.